Newham Mag Issue 313 by London Borough of Newham

You’re hired

Celebrating VE Day

All Aboard

issue 313 // 10 – 23 April 2015 // Every fortnight

Young have X factor New generation of voters (p6)

HAVE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? MAKE SURE YOU’RE IN! www.gov.uk/registertovote General Election – Thursday 7 May

Look out for the next issue from 24 April View the mag online at www.newham.gov.uk/mag

contents 10 April 2015 // issue 313

Welcome to the latest edition of the Newham Mag. In this issue, we take a look at how Newham Council’s Youth Employment Scheme (YES) is providing opportunities for work and qualifications for residents aged 16-18 (p8) and with the General Election less than a month away, we find out how youngsters are seizing their chance to make a difference by registering to vote (p6). There is also an update on the council’s campaign against fly-tipping and how we are cracking down on people who flout the law to the detriment of our community (p19). Finally, we look forward to the summer, and you can find a guide to some of the exciting events being planned this summer (p15). Before that though, Newham will mark 70 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe (p10) and you can find out how author Mike Hollow has been researching our rich local history for his novel about West Ham in the Blitz (p11).

Regulars 04 NEWS – two pages of news from across the borough 12 WORKING LIVES – puppet masters pulling the strings 16 NEWHAM IN PICTURES – your fortnight in photos 22 OUR NEWHAM – competitions and community news 24 KIDS CORNER – pictures and puzzles for our younger readers 26 WHAT’S ON – five pages of activities and events for you to try, most of them free

Features 06 DEMOCRACY HUB 2015 – encouraging youngsters to register to vote

The Newham Mag 08

Keep in touch with Newham Council via: www.newham.gov.uk @NewhamLondon www.facebook.com/newhamcouncil

To contact the Newham Mag team email newham.mag@newham.gov.uk or call 020 3373 1517 PUBLICATIONS OFFICER: Maxwell Baker STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Andrew Baker To advertise in the Mag call Julie Madell on 07890 529 090 If you do not receive the Newham Mag at home, or know someone who doesn’t, please call 020 3373 1517, write to The Newham Mag, West Wing, 4th Floor, Newham Dockside, Dockside Road, London E16 2QU, or email newham.mag@newham.gov.uk Publication of an advert in the Newham Mag does not constitute endorsement of any goods or services offered. The Newham Mag is printed on 100 per cent recycled paper by Woodford Litho Ltd and distributed by Letterbox Distribution.

08 YOU’RE HIRED – we meet the latest group of apprentices hired by Newham Council 10 VE DAY – how to mark 70 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe 11 DETECTING A GOOD READ – Newham’s archives have contributed to a thrilling new novel set in the Blitz 15 2015 EVENTS PREVIEW – a look at free events this summer 19 FACE THE PENALTY – face the consequences of dangerous fly-tipping 21 CARING FOR CASUALTIES – supporting the ex-servicemen of The Rifles

Love Newham? Download the free Love Newham app and report a range of environmental issues. Visit www.newham.gov.uk/lovenewham

IN BRIEF // Have say on pharmacies Residents have a final opportunity to comment on the amount and quality of pharmaceutical services in Newham. The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is a legal document being developed by Newham’s Health and Wellbeing Board that analyses the health needs of residents and what is being provided by local pharmacies. You have until 13 April to complete a short online questionnaire at www.newham.gov.uk/pna where you can comment on the number of pharmacies where you live and whether they are meet the changing needs of the community. The final report is due at the end of April. Music in the air The Emirates Air Line cable car is now offering a Night Flight experience with later opening hours, longer flight times and music and video entertainment in cabins and at terminals. It means passengers making use of the entertainment on offer in the Royal Docks and Greenwich Peninsula areas can cross the river until 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 11pm on Friday and Saturday throughout the summer. Journey times are extended every day after 7pm with a round trip taking 25 minutes (12 minutes for a single crossing). Visit www.tfl.gov.uk for information. Arts space books in The former Manor Park Library in Romford Road is to become a workshop for local artists and creative businesses and a space for residents to access free cultural activities. Newham Council has granted educational arts charity Bow Arts Trust a seven-year lease and will work with arts organisation Create London to transform the site to offer art and music workshops, exhibitions, training and employment advice and a café. Create London and Bow Arts Trust secured more than £170,000 from the Greater London Authority’s High Street Fund to support the transformation work.

Parks set for summer fun Residents will again be enjoying free, fun activities in parks this summer thanks to Newham Council, activity partner activeNewham and Coca-Cola Great Britain. The ParkLives programme will offer 2,500 sessions aimed at getting residents up, active ParkLives returns and socialising in 21 parks and community green spaces. A timetable can be found at www.parklives.com where people can register. New activities include BMX, Rugby Fit Camp and Walking Football. Sports such as badminton, table tennis and football continue and there will be other activity to try such as pond dipping, wild play and zumba. Sessions are generally an hour long and held throughout the week. Every session is led by a trained activity leader supported by Newham’s Volunteering Programme. Liz Lowe from Coca-Cola Great Britain said: “ParkLives is about bringing people together to enjoy fun, free activities in green spaces. Newham’s parks are going to be buzzing with activity.”

Rags to riches Children from a Beckton primary school organised a successful clothes collection, with funds raised going to the Tuberous Sclerosis Association. Eleven children from the We Day citizenship group at the school and Ellen Wilkinson pupils children’s centre took on the responsibility of collecting unwanted clothes from all pupils at the school. The charity Clothes Aid was then able to transform their collection into £285 for the Tuberous Sclerosis Association, a cause selected by the pupils. Lara, a pupil at the school said: “I have now learned what helping charities means and I would like to help others in future.” Classmate Alexandra added: “I would really love to do this again because helping others makes you feel better.” For information regarding clothes collections call the Clothes Aid helpline on 020 7288 8545 or visit www.clothesaid.co.uk

Minibus is wheel boost Deputy Mayor Councillor Lester Hudson joined former Chelsea and England footballer Dennis Wise to unveil Newham All Star Sports Academy’s first minibus. The 17-seater vehicle will be used to transport NASSA’s seven age group teams to away basketball fixtures. It will also be used to support disabled young people to attend wheelchair basketball sessions. The vehicle was presented by the Frankham Group Charitable Trust to mark the tenth anniversary of the organisation. Alexander Yakovenko, Russian ambassador to the UK, joined in the ribbon-cutting with Natasha Hart, chief executive of NASSA. Natasha said: “We cannot say thank you enough to everyone at the Frankham Group. The minibus will make a huge difference to NASSA and to all of the parents of players who have spent so much money over the years helping us take teams to games.”

Help train guide dogs The Guide Dogs organisation is appealing for residents in Newham to train and socialise guide dog puppies - a volunteering role known as Puppy Walking. These crucial volunteers provide the full-time care and education of a puppy from seven weeks of age until they are between 12 and 14 months old, when the puppies are returned to the charity to begin their formal guide dog training. Jackie Palmer, a Puppy Walker from West Ham, said: “I have enjoyed every minute with my Guide Dog puppy. He is a joy to have and the kids love him. I have met so many people since becoming a Puppy Walker and I have seen and heard first-hand the benefits a trained guide has in the life of a visually impaired person.” To request more information call 0845 371 7771, email volunteer@ guidedogs.org.uk or visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppywalking

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

Jackie Palmer with puppy Wolf

School attendance top class The Department for Education has revealed that secondary schools in Newham are the best in London in the attendance league tables. Figures released for absence statistics for all schools and local authorities in the country show that out of all the authorities that provided secondary school data, Newham came first in London for attendance and third across the country. The data also highlights that since 2013, Newham has had

a lower number of authorised and unauthorised absences from schools compared to those across London and England. The council’s success can be attributed to a new attendance management service introduced in 2012 to discourage unnecessary pupil absence. Since then 3,380 penalty notices have been issued to parents for taking their children out of school in term time for holidays or trips abroad, or for poor attendance.

VOTE OF SUPPORT

FROM YOUNG GENERATION At the 2010 General Election, just 44% of people aged 18 to 24 cast a vote compared to 76% of those aged 65 and over. As the May 7 election draws near, volunteers at Newham College of Further Education are determined to get more young people voting and signed up to do so in future.

An exhibition space, the Democracy Hub 2015, has been created on the ground floor of the college’s campus in High Street South, East Ham, supported by Newham Council’s electoral services team. Open to both learners and staff, the Hub opened in March and has been filled with information about the 2015 General Election. Prospective voters can find impartial advice about both major and minor political parties in the UK as well as information about MPs, the electoral process, local candidates and some mock polling stations and ballot papers. Most importantly, the Hub contains an area dedicated to voter registration, and a team of students are helping to spread the word, and to get people registered.

“A lot of people don’t appear to care about voting and think it doesn’t make a difference, so we’re trying to persuade them that it really does” Shavonté Dill, 17, a volunteer at the Hub and a student on the college’s Access to Performing Arts course, said: “A lot of people don’t know much about the election and what it means for us as young people. If I hadn’t got involved as a volunteer here, I wouldn’t have registered.”

Following a change to the way registration takes place in the UK, a large number of young people across the borough are not on the electoral register. In the past the head of a household could register everyone living in one home, but now voters are required to register individually. Chelsey Cairns, 18, who studies alongside Shavonté in Performing Arts, is another volunteer trying to inform new voters. She said: “A lot of people don’t appear to care about voting and think it doesn’t make a difference, so we’re trying to persuade them that it really does.” The exhibition is enjoying great success so far, with more than 150 students registered by the volunteers within the first two weeks of opening. The deadline for voter registration for this year’s General Election is April 20. Bethany Smith, 18, studying Health and Social Care, wants more of her fellow students to follow their lead. She said: “Voting can benefit us as young people. A lot of older people vote, and they see the benefits of that, but often young people don’t.” The volunteers and the atmosphere at the Hub is entirely neutral, and none of the students will tell you who you should be voting for in May. Liam Davis, Learner Voice and Enrichment Team Leader at Newham College, said: “The point of us having this activity at the Democracy Hub is not to tell people how to vote.

“Newham is an extremely fluid borough in terms of permanent residence and therefore many of our students will not be registered in the local area and so not eligible to vote. A lot of young people feel quite disenfranchised with politics, and we’re trying to get more people to have a say in how the country is governed. After the deadline passes for voter registration, we will turn this space into a news area to show what issues people are talking about, and advertise where local polling stations will be.”

“Voting can benefit us as young people. A lot of older people vote, and they see the benefits of that, but often young people don’t.” The legal voting age is 18 so not all of the college’s students will be old enough to cast a vote in May, but those aged 16 and 17 can still register, and will be sent notifications of future local, European and Parliamentary elections they can vote in.

The General Election takes place on Thursday May 7. Registration closes on Monday April 20. To register to vote visit www.gov.uk/registertovote

Left to right: ShavontĂŠ Dill, Chelsey Cairns, Bethany Smith

APPRENTICES – YOU’RE HIRED It may be just a reality show on TV to businessman Lord Alan Sugar when he hires his latest recruit in The Apprentice, but Newham Council has been offering career opportunities to young people for 24 years.

Seventeen Newham residents aged 16 to 18 are the latest intake of apprentices recruited as part of Newham’s Youth Employment Scheme (YES). More than 400 trainees have taken part in the programme since it was launched in 1991 to encourage local young people to take up apprenticeships. Trainees are recruited on a two-year employment contract and 86% of those who have completed the programme have gone on to secure jobs, mainly within Newham. The latest cohort of apprentices is working across the council, in departments as diverse as planning and regeneration, human resources, housing and finance. Previous apprentices have worked in business administration, information technology, communications, facilities management, surveying and vehicle maintenance amongst many others.

The new starters are settling in well. Summer school assistant Reanne Graham-Marquis said: “I tried college but didn’t enjoy it. I decided to try an apprenticeship and found YES on Newham’s website.

“It can be challenging to secure your first job but through YES, young people are offered a real opportunity to earn recognised qualifications and vital employment experience.” “I’m looking forward to meeting new people as well as expanding my knowledge and gaining qualifications while being paid at the same time. My team are very friendly and I feel welcome.” Trainees work towards NVQ2

qualifications in the first year and NVQ3 during their second year. They also attend college regularly and transfer their learning back into the workplace. Kim Bromley-Derry, chief executive of Newham Council, said: “The Youth Employment Scheme is an awardwinning programme and offers a fantastic opportunity for young residents in Newham. “It can be challenging to secure your first job but through YES, young people are offered a real opportunity to earn recognised qualifications and vital employment experience.” The scheme forms part of the Mayor of Newham’s promise to help more residents into work. The YES apprentices are paid a training allowance of £180 per week, which exceeds national minimum wage requirements for 16 to 17-year-olds and apprentices.

Mr Bromley-Derry, third right, Mayor Sir Robin Wales, and Mayoral Adviser for Skills and Adult Learning Terry Paul with apprentices

What YES offers for apprentices:

What former apprentices say:

> a two-year contract with Newham Council

“I gained heaps of knowledge and skills I can take with me to any job. If it were not for the scheme I would probably be working for a private company in a dead end job.” – employee services officer Nushrhat Islam

> a training allowance starting at £180 per week > a chance to add to your existing skills, making sure you get the right training, experience and qualifications > a programme tailored to suit your individual needs > invaluable work experience and an opportunity to gain a qualification, leading to an apprenticeship > support and advice from the Newham YES co-ordinator, your manager and your assessor > a safe and healthy working environment

“The YES scheme has been a life saver as I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life in terms of a career. The scheme provided a platform for my self-confidence to grow.” – HR customer advisor Cleveland James “The support given to me throughout the scheme and the skills and knowledge I gained from the journey helped me secure a permanent position at the council. I am so grateful to have been given the chance to be a YES trainee as I now have a clear vision of my future.” – Language Shop service co-ordinator Faheem Dharma “The YES scheme was an enjoyable and memorable experience which helped me gain many new skills and enabled me to meet the service area’s needs in my permanent role at Newham Council.” – business support officer Natalie West Newham recruits across a range of ability levels to give as many young people as possible a chance to work in the council. Applicants for YES will need to show a commitment to the whole training scheme and a willingness to learn. To find out more about the scheme email YES.Enquiries@newham.gov.uk

C O M M E M O R AT E V F O R V I C TO RY

May 8 is Victory in Europe (VE) Day and this year marks the 70th anniversary since the end of the Second World War in Europe. Upon the announcement of German surrender in 1945, street parties took place across the country as people pooled their rations and held spontaneous celebrations. The war had taken a hard toll on the former county boroughs of East Ham and West Ham. Our part of East London was heavily damaged during The Blitz of 1940/41 and by V1 and V2 rocket attacks that continued until near the end of the war. On VE Day entire streets of residents came together to celebrate the end of the conflict. If you would like to mark this year’s special anniversary of VE Day with a party of your own either in your street or a place where the community can get together, then Newham Council can help. The Let’s Get the Party Started fund offers grants of between £250 to £500 to support community events. For more information or to apply, visit www.newham.gov.uk/grants Residents are also invited to dress up 40s-style for a VE Day-themed

Tea Dance at Old Stratford Town Hall on Friday 15 May from 1.30-4.30pm. Veterans of World War 2 get in for free but there is a £3 entry fee for other Newham residents, which includes refreshments and entry to a raffle. Nonresidents are charged £5. Residents are also invited to observe the national two-minute silence at 3pm on VE Day 8 May and to reflect and remember the conflict and those who lost their lives. It marks the moment Prime Minister Winston Churchill broadcast his speech announcing the end of the war in Europe. Those wishing to learn more about the Second World War and how it came to an end can look forward to a special exhibition to be held at Stratford Library from VE Day. Further information will be announced at www.newham.gov.uk VE Day in Stratford and Manor Park

Detecting a good read When West Ham-born author Mike Hollow was researching his first novel, Direct Hit – The Blitz Detective, he knew just where to come – Newham’s Archives and Local Studies Library in Stratford. Mike’s story follows Detective Inspector John Jago, an ordinary policeman trying to solve a murder in West Ham on the first night of the Blitz. He said: “I had a passion to write an intriguing detective mystery set when West Ham was a target for German bombs. “In September 1940 my dad was 16, working as a clerk and at night as a Home Guard volunteer fire-watcher on the roof of Stratford Town Hall watching out for incendiary bombs landing. My mum was a year younger but also working since her school had been closed down when the war started and turned into a fire station.”

“The story may be fiction but the time and places are real. I thank Newham’s heritage and archives team in Stratford for their help in exploring the rich resources held by the library’s

excellent local history centre.” Direct Hit is available now on Amazon or via Mike Hollow’s website at www.blitzdetective.com priced £7.99.

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German bombers fly over West Ham in 1940. West Ham speedway and greyhound stadium can be seen in the centre

> WORKING LIVES

A bus ride with strings attached Decorated with bright colours, beautiful illustrations and a theatrical flourish, the Bus King Theatre is a labour of love. The structure of the bus itself has been left exactly as it was, removing just two seats at the front to create a stage. The upper deck has been reserved as a space to

hold workshops, educational activities and puppet-making. For Athena and Cesare, who have both spent years working as puppeteers with a number of companies and independently, having their own theatre in this unusual space has been a long time coming.

“It’s not been easy,” said Cesare. “Finding the right bus was complicated and took a lot of research. Then there was the driving licence, which took ages for me – I failed twice! And finding a place where we were able to park the bus took months.” In fact, it was this consideration that

For many people, the word puppet makes them think of Punch and Judy or Sesame Street. But Athena and Cesare Maschi’s touring theatre company is opening up a new world of adventure for children in Newham – and all on board a former Routemaster double-decker bus.

brought them to their Canning Town home. “We’d have gone anywhere we could have parked the bus,” Athena said. “But now we’re here we love it. We love Newham. It’s a very interesting area with a huge amount of fascinating history. I think it has a very exciting future and we would

like to be part of that with the bus.” Cesare agrees. “It’s so cosmopolitan, we meet people from all over the world. So it’s good for us and it suits the bus.” Having recently finished the renovation, Athena and Cesare invited

children from Star Primary School for the inaugural performances at the end of March. The show performed, London Calls, is based on an illustrated children’s book, and uses a cast of puppets to take its audience on a whirlwind tour of London and the people that live there. Athena said: “It doesn’t have a lot of dialogue. The idea is to have a lot of lovely music, and break down language barriers and allow anyone to enjoy it.” Both Athena and Cesare believe passionately in the unique qualities of puppet theatre. Cesare said: “I went into this because my grandfather in Italy used to take me as a kid to puppet shows. They were really popular. Now with TV, smart phones, tablets and so on, there are a lot of competitors. Also in London, there are many kinds of show happening, so it is more difficult for us. But I like it, because it involves a lot of skills: writing the story, creating the characters, and then making the set.” Although Athena and Cesare are passionate about the history of their art, don’t expect a Punch and Judy show. Athena said: “We like to take people back in time, so they have an experience of how theatre might used to have been. We have our own ideas, our own imagination and we don’t necessarily need to do things that other people have done. For example, we saw the London Calls book and it was a lovely story, so we’ve developed it into a puppet show. It’s a way to express yourself, through puppetry.” Having performed their first shows on the Routemaster, the pair are now eagerly making plans for the future. Athena said: “The idea is to go to schools all over Newham, and to parks and places where people of all ages and backgrounds can come and see a show. We want people to look out for the red bus!” For more information about the Bus King Theatre, visit www.buskingtheatre.london

Tell us about your travel habits and help improve Newham through better local connections and neighbourhoods.

You can earn rewards for your time.

www.newham.gov.uk/pasta This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no 602624-2

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Super summer on way Each year thousands of residents and families enjoy free events across the borough thanks to Newham Council. Having the opportunity to meet other members of our community and enjoy a free day out with family and friends are some of the reasons that make our events so popular – and Newham such a great place to live. Not only is entry free, but so are almost all the activities and entertainment. Here’s a look at some of what’s coming up this summer. Mayor’s Newham Carnival Saturday 11 July, 2pm Central Park, East Ham E6 This annual event involves hundreds of schoolchildren, residents and community groups parading through the streets of East Ham. This year, to celebrate Newham’s 50th birthday, it will have a Dancing Down the Decades theme, inspired by music, dance and fashion from across the years. For information about taking part or to

register your interest, email your contact details to carnival@newham.gov.uk Mayor’s Newham Show Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July, 12noon-6pm Central Park, East Ham E6 Come and enjoy two days of free fun and entertainment for all ages including live music, cabaret entertainment, sport and children’s activities. The show will feature special appearances by Postman Pat and naughty pirates Cook and Line from Cbeebies’ Swashbuckle. Under the Stars Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 August Doors open 6.30pm. Central Park, East Ham E6 Free outdoor music festival featuring some fantastic acts soon to be

announced. On Sunday 16 August the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will return to Central Park. This year, the Sunday night concert will be part of the Festival of Rugby, headlined by Laura Wright, the nation’s sporting soprano and the Rugby Football Union’s first official anthem singer. The evening will end with a spectacular display of fireworks. Keep up-to-date with all our events this summer by visiting: www.newham.gov.uk/summer Newhamevents @NewhamLondon #SummerInNewham Other dates for your diary The Big Lunch – Sunday 7 June in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP) The Great Newham London Swim, Royal Docks – Saturday 18 July The Morrison’s Great Newham London Run – Sunday 19 July in QEOP National Paralympic Day – Sunday 26 July in QEOP

Newham in pictures 16

1 Hammer time! Construction continues on new homes at Leather Gardens, Stratford E15. 2 Give them a hand! Students attend the Street Smart Event at Beckton Globe, E6. 3 Hitting all the right notes. Choristers rehearse at West Ham Parish Church, E15. 4 Good eggs! Mothers and toddlers enjoy a host of Easter activities at Beckton Globe, E6. 5 The eyes have it. Students get registered to vote at East Ham Campus, Newham College, E6.

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Care and support has changed for the better. -@= EÂµJK JA?FAk;9FK I=>ÂµIE KÂµ JÂµ;A9D ;9I= 9F< JLGGÂµIK >ÂµI ÂµM=I Ã§=9IJ N9J AFKIÂµ<L;=< ÂµF 1 GIAD 9I= 9F< JLGGÂµIK AJ K@= @=DG K@9K JÂµE= 9<LDKJ F==< KÂµ DAM= NAK@ 9F ADDF=JJ ÂµI <AJ9:ADAKÃ§ ÂµI KÂµ =F9:D= 9 ;9I=I KÂµ ;9IIÃ§ ÂµF ;9IAF? "> Ã§ÂµL I=;=AM= ;9I= 9F< JLGGÂµIK ÂµI A> Ã§ÂµL JLGGÂµIK JÂµE=ÂµF= 9J 9 ;9I=I Ã§ÂµL ;ÂµLD< :=F=kK >IÂµE K@= ;@9F?=J For more information contact Newham Council: Web: www.newham.gov.uk/careact Email: CareAct2014@newham.gov.uk Telephone: 020 8430 2000 (option 2)

FACE THE PENALTY FOR DUMPING WASTE

Dumping rubbish and bulky items such as mattresses and sofas on the streets or in unauthorised areas is called fly-tipping and is illegal. If you are caught fly-tipping, or using illegal fly-tippers, you could be given a fixed penalty notice or face prosecution, a fine and a custodial sentence. Arvinder Tooray, 47, from Dagenham, has been told he could face up to six months imprisonment and a maximum fine of £50,000 after being convicted of fly-tipping hazardous asbestos in Grangewood Street, East Ham. Tooray was arrested by police, and a joint investigation by Newham Council’s Law Enforcement Officers and the Metropolitan Police led to the successful prosecution. He dumped waste hazardous with asbestos, which can cause serious life-threatening diseases, in a garden area. As a result fragmented and fibrous asbestos was strewn across the footpath, which was cleared by the council at considerable cost.

How to get rid of your waste Newham Council has a range of free services to help people get rid of their rubbish and bulky waste safely and legally.

Rubbish collection All properties in Newham get weekly rubbish collections. You can find out your collection day online at www. my.newham.gov.uk/myneighbourhood

Free bulky waste collection Book a collection online at www. newham.gov.uk/bulkywaste

Free garden waste collection Book a collection online at www. newham.gov.uk/greenwaste

Clearing fly-tipped waste alone costs the council more than £1.4m every year. After being tracked down he was charged and appeared at Thames Court on March 26 where he admitted flytipping. He will be sentenced on April 30 but has been warned all sentencing options are open. Clearing fly-tipped waste alone costs the council and ultimately payers of Council Tax more than £1.4m every year. Reporting offenders will help to keep your area cleaner and tidier. If you witness someone fly-tipping rubbish, or you have information on where fly-tipped rubbish might have come from, then you can help us stop it happening again by reporting what you know. If you have seen some waste that has been fly-tipped but you don’t know where it came from, it is still important to report it to the council at www.newham.gov.uk/reportit

Reuse and Recycling Jenkins Lane Reuse and Recycling Centre in Beckton accepts a range of household items for free. Visit www.newham.gov. uk/jenkinslane

Waste dumped by Tooray

PAY YOUR COUNCIL TAX BY DIRECT DEBIT It’s a simple, safe and speedy way to make a payment. Spread the cost of your Council Tax over 12 months. You can choose to pay on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd or 28th of each month. The amount will be deducted from your account on a regular basis and the council can only take the agreed amount. To set up a direct debit now visit www.newham.gov.uk/ directdebit or call 020 8430 2000. You can cancel the Direct Debit at any time by writing to us.

Manor Park Fitness Centre The new Manor Park Fitness Centre is opening on the 1st June 2015 > ` Ü vi>ÌÕÀi ÃÌ>Ìi v Ì i >ÀÌ wÌ iÃÃ equipment in a welcoming environment - to support you to improve your health and wellbeing.

Register to become a Founder Member - £12.95 per month i iwÌ vÀ LiV } > Õ `iÀ i LiÀ >Ì > À *>À Ì iÃÃ i ÌÀi and you can join at the special price of only £12.95 per month. This great offer is available until 30th April 2015, so make sure you don’t miss out by registering your interest today.

For more information about this }Ài>Ì iÜ wÌ iÃÃ Vi ÌÀi >Ì Ì i heart of the local community please call 0300 124 0123. Manor Park Fitness Centre 464 High Street North Manor Park, London E12 6QN

The Rifles is the largest Infantry regiment in the British Army. Care for Casualties is a charity supporting severely wounded servicemen, their families and the families of Riflemen who have lost their lives. Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales and Newham councillors presented a cheque for £4,600 – money raised by residents at council-run community events across the borough – to G Company, 7th Battalion of The Rifles, at the Army Reserve Centre in Portway, West Ham. Since forming in 2007, The Rifles have seen almost continuous action in Iraq and Afghanistan. During this time, more than 60 Riflemen have been killed in action, around 30 have lost limbs, two have been blinded and two are in neurological units and will remain there for the rest of their lives. Rebecca Maciejewska is the fundraising co-ordinator for Care for Casualties. She said: “Our very seriously injured are aged between 18 and 26 and have many years of active life

ahead of them. We have approximately 300 other soldiers with serious injuries and the psychological problems that we are warned of have yet to manifest themselves. Riflemen have volunteered to risk their lives and limbs on behalf of others. We do all we can to support them and show our appreciation for their courage and sacrifice.” The appeal has so far raised more than £3 million and is planning to be able to support ex-riflemen for years to come. Rebecca added: “Higher rates of battlefield survival mean we will be responsible for many more severely wounded casualties than was the case in past conflicts. They and their families will need support for many years to come. “The official welfare system provided by

the Ministry of Defence and the National Health Service should not be relied on as the sole source of support in the long term. Care for Casualties needs to build up funds so we can continue to play our part, in conjunction with other charities. We thank the Mayor of Newham and residents and councillors for their generosity.”

If you want to support the Care for Casualties appeal, visit www.careforcasualties.org.uk To find out more about G Company 7 Rifles visit the Army Reserve Centre, Portway, West Ham, any Tuesday evening or call 020 8472 0140.

OUR NEWHAM 22

Teaching support is top class A Manor Park school has been selected to become a National Teaching School and will help others identify leadership potential and offer recruitment support. As part of the scheme, Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre will take a leading role in training new teachers. The school’s head teacher, Dr Julian Grenier, has been designated as a National Leader of Education and deputy head teacher Lesley Webb, has been designated as a Specialist Leader of Education. Dr Grenier said: “We are absolutely delighted with this achievement, which is the result of a great deal of hard work by the staff team and governors. The early years of a child’s life and learning are incredibly important. We are already recruiting for new primary teachers to start training in September through our partnership with Kaizen Primary School in Plaistow and the University of East London.” www.sheringham-nur.org.uk

On your bikes Lee Valley VeloPark, the setting for so many of Great Britain’s dramatic 2012 cycling victories, has launched weekly women’s Bike and Brunch sessions. For £5 cyclists of all standards can enjoy up to two-anda-half hours of cycling on the venue’s one-mile road circuit before putting their feet up with a well-earned hot drink in the inspiring venue at the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The circuit winds scenically around the VeloPark, is traffic free and closed to the public, allowing beginners to improve their technique or experienced riders to work on their time. Cycles are available for hire for an extra £5. Lee Valley VeloPark is in Abercrombie Road, E20. The Bike and Brunch sessions take place every Friday between 9.30am-12noon. For more information visit www.visitleevalley.org.uk/velopark

Students recognised by Amnesty A youth group at Eastlea Community School in Canning Town are celebrating after being shortlisted for an award by Amnesty International. The school’s Amnesty Youth Group has been nominated for the Young Human Rights Campaigner Award - Most Committed Group, recognising the dedicated activism of the students involved. The group, made up of young people from Years 8 to 11, has taken part in many Amnesty campaigns, including making placards in support of female workers in Afghanistan, protesting at a number of embassies against torture, and putting pressure on the USA to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Individual students have also earned success. Alia Nawar and Matas Danilevicius have both successfully applied to become members of Amnesty’s Youth Advisory Group.

Role models return to school Pupils past and present from a Plaistow school have linked up as part of an initiative to offer the current generation of students careers advice support to achieve academic success. Almost 200 former students of Lister Community School have registered with the charity Future First, which sets up alumni networks in schools across Britain. Four former students went back to the school to chat to current Year 11s about the skills they would need to succeed in the working world, including police detective Raf Mo and careers education consultant Janet Colledge. Janet (pictured) said: “It was amazing to see the energy at Lister. It made me really proud to be a former pupil.” Lister wants to hear from more former students on alumni@lister.newham.sch.uk or you can also sign up to Future First’s alumni scheme by clicking on the Former Students link at www.futurefirst.org.uk

Striking right chord A guitar teacher in Stratford is offering free guitar lessons to residents, suitable for experienced players or complete musical novices. Darryl Powis, owner of Guitar Tuition East London, said: “I have seen the benefits of music education. The passion and dedication students show translates to many areas of their lives from producing better results at school to generating enhanced problem solving skills. “Music increases your memory capacity, betters your mathematical skills and develops perseverance, discipline and concentration. It drives you to develop new and important social skills and allows you to express yourself creatively.” The sessions are on Wednesdays at 7.30pm at the Chandos East Community Hub, 90 Chandos Road, Stratford, E15. The sessions are free, but donations are accepted for local charities Community Links and Caritas Anchor House.

PLEASE SEND YOUR DRAWINGS, JOKES AND POEMS TO: KIDS’ CORNER, WEST WING 4TH FLOOR, NEWHAM DOCKSIDE 1000 DOCKSIDE ROAD, LONDON E16 2QU OR EMAIL THEM TO newham.mag@newham.gov.uk Don’t forget to write your name, age, address, date and daytime contact telephone number on the back of your entry. Only original work will be entered.

Gallery

Lina Amiour, 11

Humaira Yasmin, 10

Winn

Luka Narbutyte, 6 24

Maitreyaa Ganesharupan, 6 M

Win free membership at Stratford Picturehouse This issue’s winner receives free annual family membership at Stratford Picturehouse, which includes free tickets and discounts on films. To be in with a chance of winning this or another great prize send your pictures, jokes and poems to Kids’ Corner, West Wing, Fourth Floor, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London E16 2QU. Don’t forget to write your full name, age, address and daytime contact telephone number on the back of your entry. Good luck! Visit www.picturehouses.co.uk to see what’s on.

Stratford Picturehouse, Theatre Square, E15

Colour-me-in Wordsearch Poem Spring Spring is coming and the birds are tweeting and the sun is shining and the grass is growing. Children are smiling and rabbits are playing, bees are humming with buckets of honey. Trees are talking that “spring is here” and everyone is happy and full of cheer. Wake up wake up because spring is here spring is here spring is here. Madina Umar Ali, 8

A U S N O S T U M E L R

G F C W E R I U S R R S

N A O U T D O O R S A A

I O M H C K R D S N F E

Building Comfort Dog-house Garden

D N O U T I I A A M O C

L L L U R H F H G E O T

I P H A S E E E G O L E

U N A U T H T S T O R Y

B H B Y A E S L F T R N

O D C H S O A E E O S O

P A L P S D E N F H F M

T R O F M O C N G A S E

Guard Kennel Outdoors Puppy

D B E T F E B E I U R R

N I I G H S S K N U A E

C O Y P P U P R T U T C

N H D W O N I C N Q R G

G A E H I N U O L D U L

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Safety Shelter Structure Wood

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WHAT’S ON? FIVE PAGES OF ACTIVITIES MOSTLY FREE, ALL FUN

OUR THRILLING THREE... Monkey by Michael Rosen (5-12yrs) – Wed 15 Apr, 10.30am-12noon, Manor Park Library. Performance by Puppet Craft. Children can see the puppets up close after the show. Jumble Sale – Sat 18 Apr, 10am-2pm, First Avenue Urban Wilderness Garden, E13. Cars £5 (bring own tables). Refreshments for sale. Enquiries to urbanwilderness@live.co.uk

MENTION THE MAG... Great news for football fans. Lucozade Powerleague Newham are offering a big discount for people who live or work in Newham. 5-a-side pitches can be rented for £50 an hour at any time on Mondays (usually priced at £65), when you mention this issue of the Newham Mag. Lucozade Powerleague Newham is on Norwegian Playing Fields, Jenkins Lane, IG11 0AD. For further information call 020 8591 0111 or email newham.web@powerleague.co.uk

World Book Night – Thu 23 Apr, 6.30-7.30pm, East Ham Library. Local poets and performers. Free book for all attendees. Book in advance by emailing deborah.peck@newham.gov.uk

TRY SOMETHING NEW... WILDFLOWER MEADOW CREATION Come along to West Ham Park to help creative native wildflower meadows ready for the summer. Friday 24 Apr, 10am-1pm, meet at the bandstand at 10am Learn practical conservation skills and help enhance wildlife. Free. All ages and abilities welcome. For more information call Friends of West Ham Park on 020 8472 3584.

Indicates free sessions Libraries unless stated UNDER-FIVES

Music and Rhyme Tues, 10.30-11.15am, Custom House Rhyme Time Thurs, 1.30-2.15pm, Custom House; Mon, 4-4.45pm, Canning Town; Storytelling Mon, 11am-12noon, Tues, 10-11am, Beckton Globe; Mon, 10.30-11.15am, Custom House; Tues, 10.30-11.30am, Canning Town; Tues 11am-12noon, The Gate; Tues, 10.30-11.30am, Thurs, 9.45-10.45am, East Ham; Fri 10 Apr 2.30-3.30pm, Sat 11am-12noon, Green St; Fri, 10-11am, Manor Park; Thurs, 2-3pm, North Woolwich; Thurs, 2-3pm, Plaistow; Tues and Fri, 11am-12noon, Stratford; Fri 10 Apr, 2.30-3.30pm, (Fancy Dress)

Green St Stay and Play Support for parents and carers to develop their child through play. Term time. Weds and Sat, 11am-1pm, Stratford; Thurs, 1.30-3.30pm, Jack Cornwell C.C; Fri, 10.30-11.30am, The Gate; Tues, 9.30-10.30am, Jeyes C.C, Tues, 10am12noon, Grassroots; Thurs, 1-2pm, North Woolwich; Tues, 2pm-4pm, Thurs, 2pm-4pm, Sat, 12noon-1pm, Green St Music and Movement Sessions for parents/carers and children. Mon, 10-11am, Grassroots Baby Sing-a-Long Thurs, 1-1.30pm, North Woolwich YOUNG PEOPLE

Board Games Club (7-13yrs) Play chess, Checkers, Ludo, Pictionary and more. Term time.

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Thurs, 4-6pm, Green St and Custom House; Thurs, 4.306pm, North Woolwich; Tues and Fri, 4-5pm, Stratford (term time); Sat, 2.30-4pm, Manor Park; Tues 7 Apr, 2-4pm, Green St Games Club (7-16yrs) Sony PS3, XBox360, Nintendo Wii, board games and more. Tues, 3.30-5.15pm, Custom House; Thurs, 4-6pm, Canning Town; Wed, 3.30-5pm, Forest Gate; Mon 3.30am-5pm, Mon 13 Apr 2-5pm, Plaistow Froud Young Project (7-16yrs) Activities for young people. Mon, 3.30-5.30pm. Jack Cornwell C.C Children’s Movie Club Booking essential. Thurs, 4-6pm, 7-12yrs, The Gate; Tues, 3.30-5.30pm, 0-12yrs, (under 8s must be accompanied by an adult). Green St Arts and Craft Workshop (5+yrs) Fri, 3.30-5pm, Green St; Sat, 2-3pm, Custom House and Canning Town; Tues, 4-5pm, Plaistow Musical Party Games Wed 13 Apr, 3.30-4.30pm, Green St Graphic Novel Workshop Wed 15 Apr, 10am-12noon, Green St Graphic Novel Creation Wed 15 Apr, 1.30-2.30pm, Green St Musical Fruit Kebabs Wed 15 Apr, 2.30-3.30pm, Green St Musical Keep Fit Wed 15 Apr 3.30-4.30pm, Green St Celebrate the plays of William Shakespeare Thurs 16 Apr, 2-3pm, Green St Open mic Poetry and Drama Performances Thurs 16 Apr 3-4 pm, Green St Games Club with Treasure Hunt Tues 14 Apr 2-4pm, Green St

Party Games Tues 14 Apr, 4-5pm, Green St East Egg Hunt Wed 15 Apr 10am-12noon, Plaistow Young Readers Club (7-12yrs) Read and discuss your favourite books. Tues, 4-5.15pm, North Woolwich; Sat, 10.30am-12noon, Manor Park Children’s Movie Matinee (0-13yrs) Sat 3.30-5.30pm, Green St Let’s Start Sewing (7-16yrs) Beginner sewing classes. Sat, 12noon-3pm, Woodman C.C. Woodman St, E16 Email theteam@kefoundation.org.uk Easter Arts and Crafts (512yrs) Fri 10 Apr 3.30-5pm, Mon 13 Apr 2.30-3.30pm, Fri 17 Apr 3.30-5pm, Green St Open Mic Talent Show (4-11yrs) Fri 17th Apr 2.303.30pm, Green St Reading challenge finisher party Sat 18th Apr 3.30-5.30pm, Green St Writers Block by Tea Dance for Little People (5-12yrs) Fri 17 Apr, 10.30am-12.30pm, 2-3pm, Manor Park ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT Time-2-Craft (16+yrs) Sat, 10am-12noon, Stratford Adult Reading Group Discuss your favourite books and discover new writers. Mon 13 Apr, 6.30-7.30pm, Stratford; Thurs 16 Apr, 6.307.30pm, East Ham. Email easthamreaders@gmail.com for more info Chess Club Mon, 5.30-7.30pm, East Ham Weds, 3.30-5pm, Green St Thurs, 5.30-7.30pm, Stratford Fri, 3.30-5.15pm, The Gate Coffee Mornings Tues, 10-11.30am, Beckton; Tues 14 Apr, 10.30am-12noon, Manor Park; Tues 21 April, 10.30am-

12noon, Plaistow; Tues, 11am12.30pm, Custom House; Wed 15 Apr, 10am-12noon, East Ham; Wed 15 Apr, 10.30am-12noon, Green St; Thurs, 10-11.30am, Canning Town; Thurs, 1011.30am, North Woolwich Do It Online (18+yrs) Free six or eight-week basic computer training. Advance booking required, contact library directly. Tues, 10am-12noon, The Gate; Tues, 10am-12noon, East Ham; Tues 10am-12noon and 2-4pm, Plaistow; Mon, 10am12noon, Manor Park; Weds, 2-4pm, Stratford; Thurs, 10am12noon, Green St; Thurs, 10am12noon, Katherine Rd C.C; Wed, 10am-12noon, Plaistow Knit & Natter (16+yrs) Weds, 10am-12noon, Beckton; Fri, 10.30-11.30am, Canning Town; Fri, 10am-12noon, East Ham; Tues, 10.30am-12.30pm, Manor Park; Weds, 10.30am12.30pm, Green St ICT Surgery IT advice for all ages. Mon, 10am12noon and 2-3pm, Plaistow; Wed, 10.30am-12noon, Stratford; Fri, 2-4pm, Canning Town Weekly Get Together Try new things. Weds, 10.30am-12.30pm, Green St. Call 020 3373 0857 Love Newham app drop-in Learn how to report issues via the app. Mon, 10.30-11.30am, The Gate Inspire Futures Drop In Advice on ESOL and citizenship, Thurs, 2-4pm, Green St Community Links Drop In Debt, housing and benefit advice. Call 020 8548 9825 to make an appointment. Thu 16 Apr, 3.30-5.30pm, Katherine Rd C.C. Call 020 8548 9845; Mon 13 Apr, 12noon-2pm, Green St. Call 020 3373 0857 ICT Drop-in Session Set up a My Newham profile and create an email account. Fri, 10am-12noon, The Gate; Fri, 10am-12noon, Green St

Bingo Night (16+yrs) Thurs, 5-7pm, Green St Aerobic Exercise Workout and body stretching Tues, 9.30-10.30am, Jack Cornwell C.C. £1.50 East Ham Youth Zone Sony PS4, DJ decks and other activities. Tues, 4-7pm, East Ham Happy Living Club Indoor and outdoor activities for over 50s. Tues and Weds, 1.30-5.30pm, Jeyes C.C SNT Drop-in Fri, 12noon-1pm, Stratford New Deaf Club Opportunity to learn new and exciting things for members. Mon, 6-8pm, Stratford. Costs up to £2 Silver Surfers IT Course Fri, 2-3.30pm, Beckton Support in Action Thurs, 12noon-4pm, Jeyes C.C Martial Arts (16+yrs) Tues, 5-6pm, Jack Cornwell C.C Get on Target Business Advice Surgery Tues, 12noon-2pm, North Woolwich. Call 07931 576 483 to book. SpEC Speaking English with Confidence Tues, 1.30-2.30pm, Stratford; Mon 10-11am, Weds 10-11am, Thurs 10-11am, Green St Free English Conversation Club Weds, 11am-12noon, Canning Town; Weds 11am-12noon, The Gate Life in the UK Classes Weds, 12noon-2.30pm, Fri, 10am-12noon, Plaistow; contact Franklyn on 020 8542 3904 for information British Sign Language Social Club Thurs 16 Apr, 5.30-7.30pm, The Gate Alcohol Awareness Thurs 16 Apr, 3-5pm, The Gate Gamers Group Club for adults with Aspergers Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. Thurs 23 Apr, 1-3pm, Plaistow

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Together We Can Social group for adults under 50 who have had a stroke. Fri 17 Apr, 2-4pm, Plaistow COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Bumps and Babies (up to 1yr) A free homebased meet up every Wed, 1-3pm for expectant parents and those with babies. Email newhamnct@hotmail.com Meet and Greet Mums, Bumps and Babies Fri in various cafes around Newham. Visit www.netmums. com or email jojostevie@live.com Royal Docks Learning & Activity Centre Mon, Needlecraft, 10am12noon, £2. Tues, Parent and Toddler Group, 10am-12noon, £1; Bingo, 10am-12noon, £1 Wed, Keep Fit, 10-11am, £2 Employment 1-2-1 support, by appointment. Creche available Thurs, Tai-Chi, £2, first session free, 10.30am12noon; Line Dancing, £1, first session free, 1-3pm; Mon-Fri, After School Club for Gallions, Britannia Village, St Joachim’s and Drew primary schools. Mon-Fri, Open Access After School Club, 4-6pm, £3 per day. Royal Docks Learning & Activity Centre, Albert Rd, E16. Call 020 7476 1666. Visit www.rdlac.org.uk Search rdlaccommunity on Facebook Junior Volunteer Police Cadets (10-12 yrs, term time) Wed, 3.30-5pm, Little Ilford School, Browning Rd, E12, £1. Thurs, 4.15-5.45pm, Upton C.C, Claude Rd, E13, £1. Call 07500 881 378 Senior Volunteer Police Cadets (13-17 yrs) Wed, 6.30-9pm, Little Ilford School, Browning Rd, E12, £2.50. Thurs, 6.30-9pm, Eastlea Community School, Exning Rd, E16, £2.50. Call 07500 881 378 E1

BOXING AND SELF DEFENCE Boxing (Newham College) Mon, 5-6pm, East Ham College, High St South, E6 Fight For Peace Boxing Mon to Fri, 4-5pm 10-14yrs Mon to Fri, 5-9pm, 14+yrs Woodman St, North Woolwich, E16. Call 020 7474 0054 Punch Out (16+yrs) Fri, 4-5pm, Katherine Rd C.C, 254 Katherine Rd, E7 Intense Fitness (14+yrs) Workouts, boxing and wrestling. Fri, 8.30-10pm, £5. The Hartley Centre, E6. Call 07878 253 642 Newham Shoujin Karate Wed (term time), 4.30-5.30pm, Fri, 6-7pm and 7-8.30pm. Sun, 10-11am. Under-15yrs £4, 18+yrs £6, concs £5. Newham Leisure Centre, E13. Call 07508 070 638 Docklands Shoujin Karate Mon and Wed, juniors and beginners 7-8pm, all other grades 8-9pm. First session free, under15yrs £4, 16+ £6, concs £5. UEL SportsDock, call 07766 685 869 Stratford Judo Competition training, juniors (8-14yrs), Tues and Thurs, 6.308pm; seniors (15+yrs), Tues and Thurs, 8-9.30pm. Beginners, juniors (8-14yrs) Wed, 6.307.45pm; seniors (15+yrs), Wed, 7.45-9.15pm. From £2-£5 per class. Carpenters and Dockland Centre, 98 Gibbins Rd, E15. Call 07985 601 260 www.stratfordjudo.com West Ham Boys ABC Mon, Wed, Fri, mixed (8-16yrs), 5-6pm. Sat, boys (6-11yrs), 10-11am, girls (7-16yrs), 11am12noon, £2. 2 London Rd, E13. Call 020 8472 3614 Indian Martial Arts Tues and Thurs, 5.30pm: sun, 9.30am. Martial Arts Centre, 27 Romford Rd, E15. £5 or free for INUF users. Call 07703 594 398

HEALTH AND FITNESS Athlefit All ages and ability. Mon, 11am-12noon (women only); Weds, 11am-12noon (mixed) Jack Cornwell C.C

Pre-booking essential, email Paul.Farthing@activeNewham. org.uk

Bootcamp and Circuits with Al Mon, 6.30-7.30pm, Chandos East Community Hub, E15. £4. Call 07956 944 252

Mini Tennis Tues, 4-5pm, and 5-6pm, East Ham Leisure Centre, 4-8yrs; Thurs, 4.30-5.30pm and 5.306.30pm, Newham Leisure Centre, 4-8yrs and 8-16yrs. £50 for 10 sessions. Email Paul.Farthing@ activeNewham.org.uk

Janice’s Fitness Mon, 7.15-7.45pm, flatter abs, £3, The Hartley Centre, E6. Call 07818 000 643

Outdoor Tennis (14-25yrs) Fri, 5-7pm, Stratford Park. Email Paul.Farthing@ activeNewham.org.uk

Twisted Pink Street Dance 7-11yrs, Thurs, 6-7pm, St Luke’s Church, Tarling Rd, E16. 12+yrs, Fri, 6-7pm, Maryland Studioz, 84 Leytonstone Rd, E15. £3. Call 07961 544 017, visit www.twistedpink.org.uk Zumba fitness Mon and Weds, 7-8pm, £5 and £4 for 2nd class. Vicarage Ln Community Centre, Govier Cl, E15. Call 07500 898 665 Zumba with Jessica Mon, 6.30pm, £2.50 Asta Community Hub, 14a Camel Rd, E16; Sat, 9.30am, circuits £4, Community Resource Centre, 200 Chargeable Ln, E13. Call 07884 951 484 Zumba All ages. Registration essential. Bring water and a towel. Weds, 7-8pm, £5, Beckton C.C. Mon, 9.30-10.30am, £3, Jack Cornwell C.C; Fri, 9.30-10.30am, Jack Cornwell C.C, Free Let’s Yoga Thurs, 6.30-7.30am, Grassroots, £5; Sat, 10am12noon, Jeyes C.C, £1; Wed, 7-9pm, Plaistow, £1 Lee Valley Cycling (12-25yrs) Wed, 4.30-6pm, Lee Valley VeloPark, £5 or £50 for 12 wk course. Pre-booking essential, email Paul.Farthing@ activeNewham.org.uk Indoor Tennis Mon, 6-8pm, Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, £3.

50+ ACTIVITIES Age UK East London Nordic Walks (18+) Tues, 9.30-10.45am, meet at Age UK East London Newham Branch, 655 Barking Rd, E13 Sun, 10-11am, meet at entrance of the Copper Box, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20. For more info call 07989 938 242 Health Walks Mon, 2pm, starts by the War Memorial, Central Park, E6. Call 07518 750 120 Tues, 10am, starts outside Pret a Manger at Stratford Station. Call 0844 414 2728 Tues, 1.30pm, starts at the corner of Wanstead Flats at the junction of Capel Rd and Woodford Rd. Call 0844 414 2728 Wed, 10.30am, starts outside Hamfrith Centre, McGrath Rd, E15. Call 07870 291 120 Thurs, 1.30pm, starts at the corner of Wanstead Flats at the junction of Capel Rd and Woodford Rd. Call 07908 744 555 Thurs, 2pm, starts by the War Memorial, Central Park, E6. Call 07518 750 120 Fri, 10.30am, starts outside St Mark’s Community Centre, Tollgate Rd, E6. Call 07908 744 555 Newham Striders Daily walking group Call 0844 414 2728 Nordic Walking Wed, 9.30am. Meet at Lord Lister Health Centre, E7. Not

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suitable for wheelchairs. Call 07783 660 429 Fri, 6.30-8pm. Meet at Newham Leisure Centre, E13 Sun, 10-11.30am. Meet at East Ham Leisure Centre, E6 Young at Heart Bingo Club. Mon, 12noon4pm, £1. Jeyes C.C Ballroom Dancing Mon, 10am-12noon, St Paul’s Church Centre, Burges Rd, E6. £2.50 per session. Call 07761 209 463 Active Centre Bingo (50+yrs) Thurs, 7-9pm, Jack Cornwell C.C; Mon, 12noon-4pm, Jeyes C.C Over 50s club Thurs, 10am-12noon, Beckton ICCAN Faith based group with cultural activities. Fri, 12noon-2pm, Jeyes C.C Tea Dance (50yrs+) Wed 15 Apr, 1-3pm, St Mark’s C.C, £1.50 GREEN Green Gym Weds, 10am-1pm, meet at Visitor Centre in East Ham Nature Reserve, Norman Rd, E6. Call 07845 973 156 Green Volunteering Tues and Thurs, 10am-2pm. Silvertown Wy, E16 (opp. Hallsville Rd) Garden Club Tues, 1-3pm, Thurs, 4-7pm, Sat, 10am-4pm, Abbey Gdns, Bakers Row, E15 Gardening Thymes Gardening Club Fri, 11am-1pm, Bowling Green, Central Park, High St South, E6 Grow Together Be Together Community Gardening Club Wed, 10am-1pm. Sat, 1pm-3pm Flanders Field, Melbourne Rd entrance, E6. Call 020 8586 7070 DOORSTEP CLUBS Call 0844 414 2728 unless otherwise stated.

Athletics Club (14yrs+) A multi-sport session focusing on athletics, football and the gym. Tues, 6-7pm, Newham Leisure Centre, E13. Call 07718 394 756.

Julie’s Mums On The Run Wed, 10-11.30am, £5, or bring a friend and both pay £4 each. Abbey Lne Park, E15. Call 07961 374 772

Gym & Basketball (14+yrs) Tues, 6-10pm, £2, Rokeby School, Barking Rd, E16

Keepfit Wed, 10am, £1, Chandos East Centre, E15. Call 07950 944 095

Stunt & Tumble (14+yrs) Thurs, 7.30-9pm, £5, Talent Cheer & Dance, Gallions Reach, Armada Wy, E6. Call 07866 612 610

Keep Fit – Stay Fit Sat, 10-11am, £3.50. Jack Cornwell C.C, E12. Call 07795 064 116

FEMALE SPORTS

Basketball Sessions Tues, 4-5pm, Chobham Academy, 40 Cheering Ln, E20 Dare2Dance (12-16yrs) Street dance, Fri, 3.30-5.30pm, Newham Leisure Centre, E13 Female Boxfit (14+yrs) Mon, 4.15-5.15pm, Balaam Leisure Centre, E13. Call 07970 783 526 Girls Football (11-16yrs) Tues, 4-5.30pm and Thurs, 5-6pm, Newham Leisure Centre. Fri, 5-7pm, Memorial Park, E15

Ladies Only Keep Fit Wed, 10am, £1, Chandos East Centre, Chandos Rd, E15. Thurs, 10am, £1.50, Rokeby Centre, Rokeby St, E15 Sheila’s Yummy Mummy Buggy (16+yrs) Mon, 10-11.30am, £5, Central Park, High St South, E6 (meet outside cafe in the park). Fri, 1011.30am, Plashet Park, Plashet Grv, E6. Call 07908 614 958 Women’s Badminton Fri, 1-2.30pm, East Ham Leisure Centre, E6, £2, equipment provided. Call 07930 162 505

Girls Group Cycling (11-15 yrs) Tues and Thurs, 5-5.30pm, Newham Leisure Centre, E13

Women United AFC (11+yrs) Mon (term time), 6-7.15pm, £1, Kingsford School, E6. Call 07792 932 979

Just Play (14+yrs) Wed, 6.30-8pm, multi-sports (term time). Cumberland School, E13. Call 0844 414 2728

Zumba and Tone Tues, 1.15-2.15pm, £1. St Bartholomew’s Church Hall, Barking Rd, E6. Call 07944 775 679

Abs Blast (11-15yrs) Thurs, 5.30-6pm, £3.10, Newham Leisure Centre, E13

SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

Athlefit (14-18yrs) Athletic fitness, Wed, 5.30-6.30pm, £1. Flanders Community Centre, Napier Rd, E6. Call 07718 394 756 Female Only Gym Sessions Mon, 3-4pm, 16-25yrs. Mon and Wed, 7.30-10.30pm. Tues and Thurs, 12noon-1.30pm. Sun, 3-5pm. 11-15yrs. £4.65, Newham Leisure Centre, E13

Get Back into Netball Tues, 6-7.30pm, juniors, 7.30-9pm, seniors, £2. Lister Community School, E13. Call 07717 281 529

Ability Club (14-25yrs) Multi sports for disabled young people. Wed, 5.30-6.30pm and Fri, 4.45-6pm, NewVIc, E13 Athletics (8-18yrs) Tues, 4.15-6.15pm, Brampton Manor, Roman Rd, E6. Thurs, 4.30-5.55pm, St Angela’s Ursuline School, E7. Email cnourrice@englandathletics.org Family Swims Sat, 4.30-5.30pm, Newham Otters Swimming Club, Newham Leisure Centre, E13. Call 0300 124 0123. Sun, 12.30-2pm, Family Swim, Balaam Leisure

Centre, £5. Call 0300 124 0123

Get Fit for Free Tues, 1.30-3.30pm and Fri, 10am-12noon. Free gym use for people with learning disabilities. Newham Leisure Centre, E13. To book an induction call 0300 124 0123 Sensory Play (U5yrs) Wed, (term time) 1.30pm-3pm, Oliver Thomas Children’s Centre, Mathews Ave, E6. Email Naomi. ferron@oliverthomas.newham. sch.uk or call 020 8821 0997 Swim for Families Dealing with Autism Wed, 4-5pm, Balaam Leisure Centre, E13. Call 0300 124 0123 Support In Action (18+yrs) Indoor and outdoor activities, advice and support. Thurs, 12noon-4pm, to Jeyes C.C. RUNNING Beckton Park Run Sat, 9am, Beckton Park South, E16. Call 07718 394 756 www.parkrun.org/beckton East End Road Runners Tues and Thurs, 7pm. Sun, 9am. Meet on the track. Coached sessions for all abilities. Newham Leisure Centre, E13. Call 07979 261 647 Run England £2 unless stated. Sun, 10am12noon, Newham Leisure Centre, E13, (meet on track). Mon, 4-5.30pm, Newham Leisure Centre, E13 (meet on track). Mon, 5.45-6.45pm, Newham Dockside, E16 (meet at reception). Wed, 12noon-1pm, Newham Dockside, E16 (meet at reception). Thurs, 5.15-6.15pm, UEL Docklands Campus, E16 (meet at reception). Sat 1011.30am, Wanstead Flats, E12 (meet at Harrow Rd Changing Pavilion). Sat 10-11.30am, Memorial Park, E15, £4 (meet at car park). Call 07718 394 874 SPORTS Athletics Newham and Essex Beagles Athletics Club. Mon and Wed,

Indicates free sessions

6-9pm. Foundation Groups (8-10 yrs), Mon, 7-8pm and Wed, 6-7pm, £5. Terence McMillan Stadium, Newham Leisure Centre, E13. Visit www. newhamandessexbeagles.co.uk BMX (6-16yrs) Sun, 10am-12noon, £3. Gooseley Playing Fields, St Albans Ave, E6. Call 07961 333 615 Fencing with Newham Swords Tues, 6-9pm, Thurs, 6-9pm, Fri, 7-10pm. Classes for adults (18+), and mini-pirates (4-7yrs). UEL SportsDock Call 07956 618 898 Indoor Cricket (8-16yrs) Wed, 6-8pm, £2, Lister Community School, E13, email paul.farthing @activenewham.org.uk Black Arrows Badminton Club Adults: Fri, 7-9pm, Juniors: Sat, 10am-12noon, £3.70, East Ham LC. Adults: Weds, 7-10pm, UEL SportsDock. Call 07932 037173. Woodside Badminton Club Fri, 7.30-9.30pm, intermediate and club standard. £5 waged/ £3 unwaged, Carpenters and Dockland Centre, 98 Gibbins Rd, E15. Call 07956 150 240 FOOTBALL AIR Football (16+yrs) Tues, 1-3pm, Fri, 10am- 12noon, Memorial Park, Memorial Ave, E15. Fri, 3-5pm, Beckton Powerleague, E6. Visit www.airfootball.co.uk Football and Athletics Thurs, 4-5.30pm, Britannia Village, 65 Evelyn Rd, E16 Football & Multi Sports Mon, 4-5.30pm, Newham Leisure Centre, E13. Wed, 5-6pm, Stratford MUGA, West Ham Ln, E15 Mayor’s Football League U10yrs, U12yrs, Mon, 4.306pm, U16yrs, U18yrs, 6-7pm Newham Leisure Centre, E13

Premier League (16+yrs) 6-a-side (4 subs) Weds, 7-10pm, Newham Leisure Centre, E13 WHU Kicks Mon, Tues, Fri, 4-7pm, WHUCST, Beckton 3G, 60A Albatross Cl, E6. Thurs, 6.30-7.30pm, Little Ilford Learning Zone, 1 Rectory Rd, E12. Thurs, 6.30-7.30pm, Stratford Park MUGA, West Ham Ln, E15. Sat 10.30am-12noon, Newham Leisure Centre, E13 Ascension Football Sat, 10-11.30am, £3. Reception to 11yrs. King George V Park, King George Ave, E16. Call 07806 584 925 BASKETBALL Basketball & Multi Sports Fri, 5-6.30pm, 8-19yrs, Snowshill MUGA, Snowshill Rd, E12 Basketball Sessions Thurs, 5.30-6.30pm, Little Ilford Learning Zone, 1 Rectory Rd, E12 National League Mon, 6-8pm, U13/14yrs, Tues, 6-8pm, U15/16yrs, Rokeby School, E16. Thurs, 4.30-6pm, U13/14yrs boys, U14yrs girls; 6-8pm, U16yrs, Newham Leisure Centre, E13, 6-8pm, U18yrs, Cumberland School, E13 NCFE Sports – Basketball Thurs, 5-7pm, East Ham Leisure Centre. To register email sports@newham.ac.uk or call 020 8257 4255 Senior Programme Mon, 7.30-9.30pm, Division 2 women and division 3/4 men. Rokeby School, E16. Call 07947 401 616 Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA) Sessions £1 unless indicated. Juniors, Fri, 4-6pm Cumberland School, E13. National league U13yrs, U14yrs, U16yrs, Tues, 6-8pm, Rokeby School, E16. National league U18yrs, Tues, 8-10pm, Rokeby School,

E16. National league U13yrs, U14yrs, U16yrs, Thurs, 6-8pm, SportsDock. National league U18yrs, Tues, 8-10pm, UEL SportsDock. Junior boys and girls, Sat, 10.20am-12.20pm, UEL SportsDock, £2.Call 07703 503 995. www.nassasports.org.uk Youngbloods Basketball All sessions cost £1. U12yrs, mixed, Sat, 1-3pm, East Ham Leisure Centre, E6. U13/14yrs boys, Mon, 6-8pm and Wed, 4.30-6pm, St Angela’s School, E7. U13/14yrs girls, Mon, 4.306pm and Wed, 4.30-6pm, St Angela’s School, E7. U15/16yrs boys, Tues, 6-8pm, St Angela’s School, E7. Thurs, 8pm, St Bonaventure’s School, E7. U17/18yrs boys, Mon and Wed, 8-10pm, St Angela’s School, E7. Call 07958 307 657 COMMITTEE MEETINGS All meetings take place at Newham Town Hall, Barking Rd, E6, unless otherwise stated. Tues 14 Apr, Corporate Parenting Board Room Newham Dockside E16, 4.30pm. Mon 20 Apr, Local Development Committee. Tues 21 Apr, Strategic Development Committee, Old Town Hall, Stratford E15, 7pm. Weds 22 Apr, Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission, 7pm. Thurs 23 Apr, Cabinet Mayoral Proceedings, 5.05pm. CONTACT THE MAYOR Surgery To register for the surgery you must arrive at the venue up to 30 minutes ahead of the advertised time. Tues 21 Apr, 5pm, Newham Town Hall, E6. Telephone surgery Wed 22 Apr. Call 020 8430 2000 between 9.30-10.30am and leave your details. The Mayor will call you back at a later time.

All listings may be subject to change. Please contact individual events and activities before attending.

CONTACT DETAILS LIBRARIES & COMMUNITY NEIGHBOURHOODS

Beckton Globe 1 Kingsford Wy, E6 Canning Town Barking Rd, E16 Custom House Prince Regent Ln, E16 East Ham 328 Barking Rd, E6 Green Street 337-341 Green St, E13 The Gate 6-8 Woodgrange Rd, E7 Manor Park 685-691 Romford Rd, E12 North Woolwich 5 Pier Parade, E16 Plaistow North St, E13 Stratford 3 The Grove, E15 Archives and Local Studies Call 020 3373 6881 email archiveslocalstudies @newham.gov.uk

LEISURE & SPORTS VENUES Balaam Leisure Centre 14 Balaam St, E13 East Ham Leisure Centre 324 Barking Rd, E6 Newham Leisure Centre 281 Prince Regent Ln, E13 NewVIc Prince Regent Ln, E13 UEL SportsDock Docklands Campus, University Way, E16

COMMUNITY CENTRES (C.C) Beckton Community Centre 14 Manor Wy, E6, 020 7511 1214 Field Community Centre 147 Station Rd, E7 020 8536 2800 Grassroots Centre Memorial Park, Memorial Ave, E15 020 3373 0650 The Hartley Centre 267 Barking Rd, E6 The Hub 123 Star Ln, E16 020 3373 0750 Jack Cornwell Community Centre Jack Cornwell St, E12 020 8553 3459 Jeyes Community Centre 1 James Cl, E13, 020 8548 9788 Katherine Rd Community Centre 254 Katherine Rd, E7 020 8548 9825 St Mark’s Community Centre 218 Tollgate Rd, E6 020 7511 1214 Upton Community Centre Claude Rd, E13, 020 8471 0040 (currently closed) Vicarage Ln Community Centre Govier Cl, E15, 020 8519 0235 The Well Community Centre 49 Vicarage Lane, E6 020 7586 7070

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